Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1887-06-08

| was furious at thus being foied a
second time, and could with difficulty
control my real feelings. But the pres
ence of the policeman aided me greatly
in collecting myself.
did frighten you, child?" asked,
forcing a laugh. "You carelessly left
Floribel upon the step, and thought /
would teach you lesson; but did not
mean to frighten You So"
spoke the truth; for had no mean
ing, no intention, NJ thought but one,
and that was to gain possession of my
coveted treasure.
81 will help you take her back home"
| added, as the policeman, seeing our
apparent friendly relations, retired.
As walked back pondered moodily
upon my failure, not noticing the child
as she ratified on. l had not better
try this game again, l thought; it is too
dangerous.
Amelia" said suddenly, for had
become quite intimate with the child
ren, do you think and here hesi-
tated, and looked at the little girl, fear
ing the effect of my next words. ''Do
you Think" 1 continued desperately,
THAT your mother would sell me Flori-
beli''
The child's eyes opened to their ut
most extent.
''Sell Floribell Indeed, ma'am, she
would not.
''But mean TO ask her." 1 cried ex-
citedly. "Oh, child, would give her
any pricel''
''Oh, dear! what funny ideaIn said
the little girl laughing heartily. ''Papa
| does say sometimes she is one too many
In the family, but none of us think SO;
and papa doesn't think so either; he
only says so to teaZe us. But come in,
ma'am," as We reached her home, ''and
tell mamma yourself. La! how she will
laughI'
| was not so sure of the mirthful |
effect the child predicted for my re-
quest. The lady would probably think |
me demented; and so l actually was, L |
believe. for the time.
The child ran into the parlor leading
little Floribel, and / followed. There |
sat the tall dark-eyed lady reading by
the window, she looked up as we enter
ed.
Mamma" said the little girl, ''here
is the lady we told you about, who
always notices Floribel SO much when
We take her out with US. And mamma,
she wants to buy her! just think of it,"
and the child broke into peals of laugh
ter at the bare iGea of SO absurd sug-
geStion.
The lady who had risen politely at
my entrance, sank back in her chair
with look of utter amazement upon
her cOuntenance, and snatching up
Floribel clasped her to her bosom with
many endearing epithets. But l had
gone too far to retreat now, and | WAS
so thoroughly convinced that she was
not Fleribel's mother that L began to
feel more confidence than if thought
she was her own flesh and blood. So
summing up all the dignity could
command l said:
"You are doubtless astonished,
madam, IS well you may be, at my 1
strange request, but cannot help it. /
coyet your treasure so earnestly that i
would pay any price for her possession"
''Oh, madam,' / continued, as l saw !
that the lady regarded me with indig-
nant looks, eff you only knew how your
little darling has wound herself around |
my heart-strings, you would pity a |
cllildleSs wife who yearns for some
sweet little creature to console her s
lonely hours. You have two charming {
little girls. and others, too, perhaps"
fancying her looks relaxed little,
while I-have nothing" Here could
hardly restrain my tears, and one rolled
down the lady's cheek and fell upon the |
little ones silken curls. ,
Hope sprang up in my breast, and at
that moment the street door opened and
a Young man walked into the room.
He stopped and looked at our emotion
in surprise.
"Why-" he began. looking from one
to the other.
''Oh, Henry" cried Amelia, running
to him, ''this lady has fallen in love
with Floribel and wants to buy her-to
buy her!"
II cannot part with her," said the
lady, now speaking for the first time;
but, indeed, madam, you have touched
my heart" and she wiped her eyes and
kissed Floribel.
But L did not despair. 1 turned to
the young man. ;
81 am wealthy, II said; ''my hus-
band denies me nothing. am willing
to pay any sum you may demand"
/ saw his eyes glitter. He caught
the bait?
ssWhy, mother" he said, "you go on
over her as if she was your own dear
baby
(Ahal didn't say SO? She was only
an adopted parent.
"But love her nearly as well rs II
she WERE" said the lady, hugging :
Floribel.
.Name your price" l said impa-
tiently to the youth.
"What do you say to two hundred
dollars, ma'am?"
Two hundred dollars! would cheer-
fully have given twice that amount.
'sYou talk as if she belonged to you,"
said his mother with asperity.
"Now, mother" said the young man,
going over to her, and kneeling by the
Side of her chair, while he stroked
Floribel's hair, who had all this time
lain in the lady's arms, little dreaming ,
she was the subject of so momentous
discussion. Snow, my mother, don't {
YOU know that it is just two hundred
dollars that l lack to get me what you
know. and what have been wishing q
for so much? Here it is within my q
grasp; flor had quickly signified my
of his terms.) .'Do you love
this little morsel," twitching Floribel's |
ear. "who is no kith nor kin of yours,
more than your own dear sonT' Ihls
was said coaxingly.
His mother was certainly relenting; |
could see it in her face. which watch
ed closely. .
Il know tie lady will take excellent
care of her." he continued.
Indeed 1 will.'' interrupted eager
ly. sifor love her dearly"
"And YOU will bring her to see me
sometimes?'' asked the lady.
"Indeed / will" said delightedly,
seeing my cause was won. ,
"Take her then," said the lady, rising
and placing her in my arms; you ana
NV son have conquered"